CANR Dean's Column May 2015
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EmailThis is the time of year when we hand out awards for jobs well done, recognition for high achievements and scholarships for further education.
This is the time of year when we hand out awards for jobs well done, recognition for high achievements and scholarships for further education. It’s when our campus comes to life from the winter lull and we return to the outdoors. It’s a fun and invigorating time to be among our students, who are finding that their hard work is paying off.
Students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources have managed major accomplishments – which we expect, of course, but boast about nonetheless. Students such as Haley Schulz, who is president of the CANR Student Senate and a Bailey Scholar, and who will address her fellow graduates at commencement. Or Liz Brajevich, a junior majoring in environmental economics and policy, who was named one of Glamour magazine’s Top 10 College Women. Liz was recognized for her enthusiasm not only to pursue environmental sciences but to apply and share that science with other MSU students and local elementary students. Zach Van Dyke beat 800 other students in a national horticulture competition to finish first. Nutritional science major Shelbie Shelder was named MSU’s 11th Udall Scholar.
I am so impressed by our students, who work so hard to achieve academic prowess, make their student organizations better for the next group, and continue to work alongside our faculty members in labs and farms all over campus. Our Fisheries and Wildlife Club has worked to raise the funds to refurbish the polar bear in the Natural Resources Building. They even talked President Simon and me into having our picture taken with the bear. (To see those photos, check out the CANR Facebook page.) They are proving that students can and do make a difference at MSU.
Our graduate students work on campus and around the world to improve biodiversity, forests, and access to food, clean water and alternative energy. They are earning National Science Foundation fellowships to prove it. Two of our graduate students have teamed up to create a study abroad to Fiji. Though the destination might seem pretty great, they’re looking at the serious issue of climate change in a place that feels its effects first.
Speaking of world travelers, a group of CANR alumni visited India with Associate Dean Doug Buhler and Professor Karim Maredia. They visited typical tourist attractions and fellow alumni. (Photos of that trip are available on the CANR Facebook page, too.)
CANR faculty members and a graduate student will receive honors during Commencement for excellence in teaching. Those who will be honored are:
- Henry Campa, III, professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife –Excellence in Teaching Award – Established Teacher
- Robert A. Montgomery, assistant professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife –Excellence in Teaching Award – New Teacher
- Amanda Lorenz, graduate student in the Department of Entomology –Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching Award
I hope that you feel the same pride in our college that I do. Our students, faculty members and staff members work hard to continue the legacies you began or carried out during your time here.
Our graduates will cross the stage in a few short weeks, after years of hard work to join your ranks as CANR alumni. I know that you will welcome them wholeheartedly.
Fred L. Poston
Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
